Kerry has made a significant jump in the index ranking urban tourism and events destinations from all over the world.
The Kingdom has climbed from 19th to 12th place in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), where it has retained a top 20 place for the seventh consecutive year.
The county's improved placing means it is once again the number one destination in Ireland.
The GDS-Index measures the sustainability strategies, action plans and initiatives of destination management organisations, local authorities and their tourism suppliers.
It now also encompasses leisure tourism and its criteria has expanded to include regenerative tourism, circular economy practices, enhanced climate action and the impact and legacy of business events.
Kerry first participated in the Index in 2018, with Kerry Convention Bureau (KCB) taking the lead on the annual submission.
KCB collaborates with Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF), Kerry County Council (KCC), Fáilte Ireland and a wide range of tourism industry partners to better the county's ranking each year.
This year, Kerry scored 82.80 per cent, marking a 6.63pc increase on its 2024 score and positioning the Kingdom as the best globally in its category, based on population size.
Its sustainability performance was evaluated based on the county's environmental strategy and infrastructure, social sustainability performance, industry supplier support as well as KCB, KTIF and Kerry County Council policies, strategies, performance measurement and reporting.
The county's submission to the Index included updates on initiatives including the rollout of Meitheal's Sustainability Policy, Fáilte Ireland's flagship trade event held in Killarney, Killarney Coffee Cup project, launch of Killarney 2030 strategy, Kerry County Council THRIVE schemes, Tralee and Killarney Autism Friendly Towns and Dingle and Tralee Zero Waste Food Festivals.
Along with Kerry, key Irish destinations Dublin, Cork, Clare, Galway, Limerick and Belfast achieved top 40 places in the Index. According to the GDS Index, the Top 40 destinations demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism by effectively balancing tourism growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Kerry Convention Bureau Manager, Becky Hargrove, said her organisation is proud to have made such a significant improvement on the county's index score.
"This has allowed us to not only make a jump up the rankings to #12 but also maintain both our long-held presence in the Top 20 and position as #1 Irish Destination as per the Global Destination Sustainability Index as well as moving to #1 globally, within our category based on population size," Ms Hargrove said.
"The increase in our score demonstrates that the sustainability ambitions of our community of tourism suppliers, event professionals and industry partners mirror those of our valued clients and partners on a global stage."
Chairman of Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Pat O'Leary, said the GDS ranking is a remarkable achievement for Kerry and a testament to the strong collaboration between all parties involved.
"It highlights Kerry's profile on the international stage as one of the world's leading sustainable destinations and will undoubtedly contribute to the on-going development of our hospitality industry," Mr O'Leary said.
Kerry Mayor, councillor Mike Foley, said the county council is delighted that Kerry has improved its position on the index.
"I acknowledge and appreciate the work done by the Kerry Convention Bureau as project lead and for the collaborative approach taken by all partners in supporting in this achievement," he said.
"Together, we are working towards a sustainable future that improves the quality of life for residents and visitors alike."